State of the Union: Episode 1

In Episode 1, Buck Mercer and his contestants put several states “under review,” mocking California, Minnesota, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho through the language of patriotism, order, and “real America.” The episode introduces the show’s format, its coercive prize structure, and its underlying purpose: to discipline the map through ridicule. The bonus round introduces southern listeners to the Golden State Avenger and recodes him through Empire’s contemptuous frame. This episode is written as hostile in-universe media, not endorsement.Credits & CopyrightWritten and Directed by Stephen BrewerSeries Bible, worldbuilding, and episode structure by Stephen BrewerMusic created with SunoVoices created with Elevenlabs.ioArtwork by CiceroProduced by Stephen Brewer for the Columbia podcast on SubstackStatement on the Ethical Use of AIThis is a work of non-violent fiction. It does not depict real institutions or endorse political action.Disclaimer: State of the Union is a fictional audio series set within the world of Columbia: Long Walk of the Republic. Its characters, broadcasts, and events are part of that fictional universe, though they are intentionally shaped by recognizable cultural patterns.© 2026 Stephen Brewer. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the author. Get full access to Drawing the Line at percival84.substack.com/subscribe